Apartments for Rent in Louisiana

Louisiana

Louisiana is one of the most uniquely defined states in the U.S., with a culture and heritage that simply isn't found anywhere else. The people here come from a multitude of ethnic backgrounds, including French and Caribbean, that isn't found in such concentrations anywhere else in this country. A large section of the population is Creole or Cajun and Louisiana has the highest concentration of Franco-African residents in the country.

Despite the heavy damage done in the last few years by hurricanes, Louisiana is still a very popular tourist destination. New Orleans is particularly popular for its French Quarter, cool jazz and annual Mardi Gras celebrations. But tourism is trumped by the larger industries that include natural gas, salt, petroleum and sulfur. Agricultural contributions include sweet potatoes, rice, sugar cane and pecans.

Outdoor Attractions

Louisiana has beautiful outdoor vistas that range from pine forests to marshlands to delta and bayous. The bayous are filled with rich tropical wildlife and amazing birds, and the Spanish moss draped in the trees gives the long stretches of waterfront in Louisiana an other-worldly quality. The summers are humid and hot, but the winters are mild and are increasingly popular with retirees who appreciate the natural beauty.

An eight month hunting season brings people from across the country to hunt the abundant wildlife and enjoy fishing on any of the many rivers or small lakes. The Louisiana Gulf Coast is part the Wetlands Birding Trail, a paradise for birdwatchers. Twenty state parks offer trails, camping grounds and a host of other outdoor activities that last nearly year round. Louisiana apartment dwellers frequently leave the cities for campgrounds and cabins several weekends out of the year.

Colleges and Universities

The Louisiana State University system includes seven undergraduate campuses and the Paul M Hebert Law Center for law students. The University of Louisiana also has several campuses, including Grambling, one of the country's most famous traditionally black universities.

Real Estate and Housing

Louisiana was hit hard by hurricanes in 2005, causing a temporary freeze in apartment rentals because of the city’s extensive damage. Rebuilding efforts have resulted in new and renovated Louisiana apartments that are good deal, particularly in Shreveport, Lafayette and Baton Rouge. New Orleans apartments, particularly those in the French Quarter and Old Town, are in some of the most beautiful buildings in the South, with historic details and true charm.

When you shop for a Louisiana apartment, be sure to check the location and elevation of the neighborhood. With severe weather a regular occurrence, knowing how safe your apartment will be in a natural disaster is a must.